LLY vs LBZ: What Every Truck Enthusiast Should Know

The LLY refers to the 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine that was produced from 2004 to 2005 and used in GM’s heavy-duty trucks such as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

On the other hand, the LBZ is the updated version of the 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine manufactured from 2006 to 2007. With several improvements over the LLY, including a stronger block, updated fuel system, and improved injectors, the LBZ was also suited to GM’s heavy-duty trucks.

The LBZ engine is more reliable and durable than the LLY with the capability to produce more power and torque, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts.

LLY vs LBZ: A Quick Look

LLY engines don’t feature any EGR or DOC technology and also have less horsepower and torque but their compression ratio is higher than LZB engines, which helps increase engine performance.

On the other hand, the LBZ is powered with 50 additional horsepower. Along with the same turbocharger as LLY, the VVT technology increases its efficiency.

LLY is a detuned version of the LBZ but you can easily make your changes with the tuning mechanism of these engines.

• Emission restriction technology

LLY engines don’t have any Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) or Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) technology.

On the other hand, the LBZ engine is equipped with both EGR and DOC technologies, which helps reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as NOx and CO.

If you are concerned about the environment, then the LBZ engine would be an eco-friendly option for you.

• Horsepower

The LLY engine has a maximum output of 310 hp and operates at a maximum of 3000 rpm, while the LBZ engine has 360 hp and 3200 rpm.

The higher output of the LBZ engine makes it a better option for heavy-duty tasks. However, that won’t matter much for regular and light-duty use.

• Compression ratio

Generally, a higher compression ratio e.g. 17.5:1(LLY) results in better engine performance and efficiency than 16.8:1(LBZ). But in this case, LBZ engines get ahead with a lower compression ratio.

This is because the best compression ratio of an engine depends on the balance between performance, efficiency, fuel availability, and quality.

• Turbocharger

LLY engines contain a GT3788VA turbocharger, it’s a high-performance turbocharger known for its quick response and high-end power capabilities.

On the other hand, LZB engines carry out the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology with a GT3788VA turbocharger which is used to optimize valve timing and increase engine efficiency, power, and torque.

•  Torque

The LBZ is known for its high torque output, with a maximum of 650 lb-ft at 1600 rpm. On the other hand, the LLY can produce a maximum of 520/605 lb-ft at 1600 rpm, which is lower than the LBZ.

This makes the LBZ engine a great choice for heavy-duty tasks such as towing, hauling, and off-roading though LLY engine torque output is still sufficient for both light-duty and heavy-duty tasks.

• Badge color and VIN

The red badges (Duramax diesel) in the VIN indicate LLY engine and blue badges (Allison Duramax) are for LBZ. Moreover, if the eighth and ten digits in the VIN are ‘2’ and ‘6’ they indicate LLY while ‘D’ ‘6’ is for LBZ.

• Intake style

LBZ’s engine intake style and leverage system is more on the right angle whereas LLY’s is a little on the passenger side.

• Cooling fan & overheating

The LBZ’s cooling fan is 21 inches with no overheating history. On the other hand, the 19-inch cooling fan of LLY 2004 -2005 models had some overheating issues though they were replaced with a 21-inch cooler later in 2006 to tackle this problem.

•  Production years

An early version of the LLY was released to the market from 2004 to 2005 and the upgraded version came in early 2006. The LBZ was released from 2006 to 2007 with advanced technologies.

LLY vs LBZ: Are There Any Similarities?